Meridian adds Hyundai to its Vantage brand

Harrogate-based Meridian Motor Group has taken the first steps to extend its Vantage dealer brand beyond the Toyota marque following the acquisition of central Manchester’s only Hyundai dealership.

The deal brings the total number of dealerships branded Vantage to seven and is the first time the business, launched in 2003, has extended its offering outside Toyota.

Vantage Toyota Centres are located in York, Scarborough, Knaresborough, Blackburn, Colne and Preston.

With its head office in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, Meridian Motor Group has secured continued growth and strong profitability year-on- year since launch.

Although still relatively young, the business has an ambitious growth strategy and in 2007 purchased three Vantage Toyota dealerships in Lancashire to add to its three Toyota centres in Yorkshire. In 2007 it rebranded all dealerships under the Vantage name.

The new dealership at Bury New Road, Salford will be called Vantage Hyundai Manchester and will continue to employ 18 staff.

Vantage will be making a significant investment to upgrade the site, support the rebrand and launch with a local marketing campaign.

Meridian Motor Group founder and managing director Mark Robinson said: “This represents a significant step for the business as we grow into new markets and reach new customers.

"As an independent family owned company, we are able to give our customers a much more personal service than other dealerships while maintaining the security, prestige and standards associated with the global Toyota and Hyundai brands.”

Meridian Motor Group chairman Phil White CBE said: “This latest acquisition represents a very attractive opportunity and by diversifying into new areas and new marques we will be able to target new customers and capitalise on Hyundai’s rapid growth and increasing popularity, which saw global sales for May increase by 13.6%.”

As editor, Tim is responsible for the media content, planning and production of AM's multiple channels (AM print and digital magazines, website, social media and contributing to our events planning). He interviews and writes about as many franchised dealer groups and UK divisions of motor manufacturers as possible, to explore the issues facing UK motor retail and understand what solutions dealers and suppliers are using to overcome these.